Pupet Master in Konoha

Not far from the entrance of the Ninja Academy, Konoha's first serious toy store finally opened today.

Unlike the outdated toys sold at the snack stands around the area, this toy store offers brand-new toys that have recently become popular in Konoha.

Rubik's cubes, yo-yos, puzzles, Luban locks...

The shelves of the toy store are filled with a variety of toys that captivate countless children, and even adults.

And what's surprising is that the price of these toys is only half of the price at the previous toy stands!

As soon as the classes were over, many ninja students rushed to the toy store to buy the toys they had previously hesitated to purchase.

Seeing that the toy he invented had triggered such a grand event, Hideki, standing in front of the toy store, wasn't exactly happy, but rather dumbfounded.

Because...

He didn't open this toy store at all.

Hideki had long anticipated that in this ninja world where copyright laws were scarce, the toys he invented would eventually be copied and pirated by others.

In fact, some carpenters or artisans had secretly imitated many of his new toys and sold them around the village.

But since it was only a minor issue, Hideki didn't bother arguing with them.

However, this situation is different...

When Asuma came to report the news, he brought Hideki many toys bought from this store.

Upon inspection, Hideki discovered that the craftsmanship of these toys wasn't exquisite.

However, the advantage was that the quantity was large, and the craftsmanship of the same toy was nearly identical.

It was obvious that these toys weren't handmade in small workshops but were mass-produced using machines in large factories.

You must know that these new toys had only appeared in Konoha for more than two months, and Hideki's workshop was still nearly finished.

Unexpectedly, someone had already set up a production line for so many types of toys in such a short time, and even opened the toy store first...

There probably weren't many ninjas in Konoha with this kind of ability...

Fortunately, the owner of this toy store didn't plan to hide it.

So, on the side of the sign that says "Taipan Toy Store," the Shimura clan's family crest is clearly painted...

It was not hard to guess that the instigator was none other than the leader of the Shimura clan: Shimura Danzo!

And this was what stunned Hideki the most...

Since he rejected Nebe's invitation, Hideki had guessed many possible revenge tactics from Danzo and had taken precautions against them.

Pirating toys?

This was indeed a path he had never considered...

Hideki even wondered if he had made a mistake.

After all, the darkness of the ninja world and toys that bring joy to children don't exactly mix well!

Unfortunately, Hideki's suspicions were quickly confirmed...

"Private Marseille with red bean paste!"

"This time, I'm sorry, Hideki."

Soon after, the ANBU escorted Hideki to the Hokage's office.

After the ANBU closed the door and left, the Third Hokage apologized to Hideki with an embarrassed expression and explained the whole story.

"I originally just wanted Danzo to understand how serious you are, Hideki, so I showed him the report you wrote."

"I didn't expect that bastard to copy all the ideas it contained and secretly pirate your toys..."

Upon hearing this, Hideki wore a strange expression.

He didn't expect that the report he wrote would backfire and cause such a small problem.

Moreover, Hideki also remembered that when Shiguro Aburame came to recruit him on behalf of the Roots, he kept saying he had valuable talents.

Could it be... that I was underestimated?

This made Hideki feel a little down, having been underappreciated, and also hoping that the other party would always underestimate him.

At that moment, the Third Hokage was still muttering about the private Marseille and deeply introspecting, but it seemed like he had no intention of correcting the chaos.

In him, Hideki suddenly felt a strong spirit of craftsmanship...

But that's the thing: toys aren't protected by Konoha's copyright law, so everything Danzo did is legal, and at most, he could only be blamed on a moral level.

But for Danzo, who was used to doing dirty work and was infamous in the ninja world, these moral accusations were nothing to him.

Even if you say it lightly, it would become a compliment for him...

Moreover, if he wants to set up a factory, a production line, and open a store at lightning speed, he has to spend a lot of manpower, material resources, and finances.

There's no turning back once the bow is drawn.

Hideki had heard that Danzo was already concerned about funding issues, and now that he had made such a huge investment, of course, it would be impossible for him to just close the factory and shut down the store obediently.

The Third Hokage was well aware of his friend's temperament, so he naturally wouldn't make promises to Hideki that he couldn't keep.

Fortunately, Hideki wasn't too upset about the current situation.

Even if the Third Hokage were suddenly possessed by Senju Hashirama and decided to kill his wife to prove his sermon, Hideki would probably have to help stop him.

After all, it's easy to hide from an open weapon, but hard to protect yourself from a hidden arrow.

Although Hideki had always been cautious.

He was still a little tired of being constantly on guard against Danzo, an old man with hidden arrows, not knowing when, where, and at what angle he would shoot.

So, when Hideki discovered that Danzo wanted to start a commercial war with him, he was actually so happy that he laughed in his dreams. How could he choose to kill his entrepreneurial dream when he was over forty years old?

Hideki decided to maintain an unshakable business balance with Danzo.

Of course, he still had to get the lion's share for himself.

It would be better if he ate the meat and Danzo got the soup.

This way, he wouldn't strengthen his roots too much and wouldn't force him to try to turn the tables.

Until he gathers enough strength, or Minato becomes Hokage and lets Danzo spill everything he eats...

However, it was clear that the situation where Danzo had already opened the store first didn't align with Hideki's expectations.

Even if his toy store opens officially, due to the limitations of his workshop's machinery and his students' skill level, the toys he would be able to sell wouldn't be much different from Danzo's.

People who don't know might think that Hideki copied Danzo's work...

That's why he must think of a way to regain his leading position on the day the store opens in half a month.

After the Third Hokage's performance, where he acknowledged his mistakes without correcting the chaos, Hideki, who quickly had a rough plan, began his own act:

"Hokage-sama, please stop blaming yourself."

Hideki said with a humble face:

"I've heard that Lord Danzo has made many secret contributions to Konoha, and I've always admired him."

"Listening to what you just said, Hokage-sama, the financial situation of the village hasn't been very good lately."

"Lord Danzo has taken this step because he lacked funds from the roots and didn't have money to protect Konoha."

"This is truly excusable. Please don't blame him too much."

"And the piracy problem can't be eliminated. If Lord Danzo can use this money to protect Konoha, it can be considered a good use."

The Third Hokage felt even more embarrassed when he heard this.

What a good child...

It was clear that someone had copied the toy, but in the end, he still put himself in the other person's shoes for the sake of Konoha.

Indeed, Hideki was the true successor of the Will of Fire!

Then Hideki smiled again and said:

"Also, if our workshop is dominated by Konoha's family, then the children and I can be content with the status quo and become lazy."

"So, Lord Danzo's Toy Store comes at the perfect time."

"With healthy competition between us, we'll definitely bring more joy and change to Konoha."

Healthy competition...

Hideki's words, whether intentional or not, reminded the Third Hokage. He quickly patted his chest and promised:

"Don't worry, Hideki. I'll contain Danzo in the future so that he can no longer pull tricks and act crookedly. 'Competing with you.'"

"And as compensation for this time, Hideki, if you need help with your workshop, just say it, except for financial matters."

"That's really great."

After receiving the untrustworthy promise from the Third Hokage, Hideki decided to let it go, so he smiled and said:

"Since Lord Danzo has taken the initiative, I must return the favor."

"By chance, I have a new plan to promote the toy store and need the cooperation of some students, so I hope you, Hokage-sama, can approve a certain number of points for recruitment."

"Oh?"

The Third Hokage also felt a little curious when he heard this.

"Then I wonder what your plan is, Hideki."

Hideki gave a playful smile and said:

"Hokage-sama, have you heard of movies?"

------------

You can get advance chapters on my patreon

Patreon(.)com/izan24

•If you join as a FREE MEMBER you'll get +3 ADVANCE CHAPTERS

•TIER 1 you'll get +15 ADVANCE CHAPTERS

•TIER 2 you'll get +40 ADVANCE CHAPTERS

•TIER 3 you'll get +60 ADVANCE CHAPTERS

THE PAID TIER DOES'NT INCLUDE THE FREE CHAPTERS FOR EACH TIER